Gary Snyder

Gary N. Snyder,  46,  died unexpectedly March 10, 2015 at his home in Waukon. In honoring Gary’s wishes, his body was cremated, and the family will be hosting a memorial/celebration of life gathering Sunday, March 29 at 1 p.m., with fellowship to follow. That gathering will be held at the Waukon Banquet Center, 612 Rossville Road in Waukon.
Gary was born January 21, 1969 in Independence, the son of Henry L. and Julia A. (Thompson) Snyder. He attended school at, and graduated from, Decorah High School with the Class of 1987. Following graduation, Gary worked several different jobs before settling into driving semi, which afforded him the opportunity to experience lots of interesting places and develop friendships all over the country.
Gary will be fondly remembered for two main things, his tremendous sense of humor and his unparalleled passion for music. Gary picked up a guitar in his early youth and never let it go. He was an accomplished musician. Whether playing in bands or just picking the guitar with friends, he always put his soul into the music he played. Recently, he had been focusing that passion on building custom guitars, with the intent of starting a business to do so with a close friend.
Gary is survived by his son, Gage McMurrin of Cedar Rapids; his sister, Gordalana (Gordie) Neubauer of Cresco; his sister-in-law, Deb (Hank) Snyder of Decorah; his brother, Eric (Rick) and Kris Snyder of Cedar Falls; his brother, Jeff Snyder of Cresco;  his sister, Marquesa Snyder of Ankeny; his brother, Paul Renner of Ohio; his father, Henry Snyder of Independence; his long-time friend, Tammy Jostand, and son, Jonathon, of Waukon;  and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout the country.
Gary was predeceased by his brother, Hank Snyder of Decorah; his brother-in-law, Todd Neubauer of Cresco; and his mother, Julia (Judy) Snyder of Decorah.
Cards or gifts of remembrance can be forwarded to P.O. Box 42, Decorah, IA 52101.